Magellan Triton 2000

Sitting at the top of Magellan’s handheld GPS range, the Triton 2000 boasts a number of features that set the device apart from its less expensive counterparts.

The Triton 2000 resembles other units in the Triton range, but adds a silver handle on top for attachment to a carabiner if needed. It has a rugged case and is built to adhere to the IPX-7 standard for water- and dust-proofing. The only flaw is the device’s camera lens — although it is slightly recessed and behind clear plastic, it is unlikely to withstand multiple drops on uneven surfaces.

Following the trend set by many top-end automotive GPS devices, the Triton 2000 packs in more features than you’ll probably ever need on a single hike. The device retains the same navigational pad and soft-touch buttons as the Triton 200 and Triton 400, but also features a touch screen as an alternative method of control. If that wasn’t enough to justify the price hike, the Triton 2000 also features a 2-megapixel camera, headphone jack, external antenna port and flashlight.

Unlike most automotive GPS devices, the Triton 2000 is accompanied by a stylus rather than relying solely on finger tracking. Magellan has packaged several replacement styluses with the device. (We found the touch screen to be sensitive enough to finger movements that we didn’t require the stylus.) The touch screen is a vital part of the control scheme on the Triton 2000; it's much better than the navigational pad and allows easier tracking on maps.

Magellan claims that the Triton 2000 can last an average of 10 hours using two AA batteries, which is the same battery life as other Triton models. Although we weren’t able to test this, given the number of features on the Triton 2000 — particularly its touch screen — we think it's unlikely that the device will last for the same length of time as the other models. Thankfully, the use of standard-sized batteries instead of a proprietary rechargeable battery pack makes it easy to carry replacements.

The Triton 2000 uses the same SiRF Star III GPS receiver as all other Triton models, with WAAS/EGNOS support to enable navigational accuracy within three metres. A cold start-up takes under a minute; this is an improvement over the less expensive models. An external antenna can be attached to the unit.

Along with the basic mapping functions found in the Triton 400, the Triton 2000 allows users to geotag photos and videos or attach them to existing points of interest. This feature will probably seem slightly touristy for more serious hikers, but it will probably pique the interest of those interested in keeping a detailed journal of their travels.

One of our favourite aspects of the Triton series has been Magellan’s VantagePoint software. The Triton 2000 has the same fiddly USB connection as the Triton 200 and Triton 400, which is an annoying design choice. Once connected, however, VantagePoint allows users to easily pre-plan routes and waypoints, synchronise media and update their device's firmware. The software is suitable for use by both GPS novices and experienced hikers.